Complete with the technologies to complement, ASH was officially launched today at the Mining Industry Skills Centre’s annual conference to some of the industry’s key players, training organisations and government bodies.
The Skills Centre, the leading workforce planning and development body for the Australian resources industry, developed ASH on the premise of exploring a Silicon Valley model; creating a hub of expertise, training and technology to advance an industry. The hubs will have the capability to accelerate the learning of resources industry workers from trainee to professional level.
The hubs will harness serious gaming technologies, simulation techniques and automation to rapidly skill workers in a ‘centre of excellence’ environment which can be located regionally, or in any major capital city.
According to Skills Centre CEO, Derek Hunter, the hubs have the capability to completely redefine and radically transform how people are skilled for the industry.
“This concept is the first of its kind – a completely new use of the latest technologies – and we’re confident it will radically redefine and improve skills in the resources workforce at an accelerated rate. This is training for the future,” said Mr Hunter.
“From the induction process all the way through to specialised training for managerial and senior expertise roles, ASH is a solution to a global problem and addresses safety and productivity.
“We are confident that as the evolutionary approach of embracing technology in training facilities continues, we will have a world class model.”
ASH has potential for global application and has already sparked interest from mining reps in Chile, Papua New Guinea and India. While a confirmed first site is yet to be determined, Mr Hunter said it will come down to demand from the mining heavyweights.
“ASH was developed following consultation from the key players in our industry – and they called out for an approach like this. Where we place the first hub will depend on where the demand is coming from, and right now that could be in Queensland or it could be abroad,” said Mr Hunter.
The technology
Key technology partners including CSIRO, Immersive Realisation, CAE Mining, Real Serious Games and SAGE, all presented their technologies today.
CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency, had an interactive exhibit showing areas of past and active research conducted by the CSIRO Mining Technology Group, including hands-on demonstrations of tele-operation and tele-collaboration technologies.
Delegates were able to get a hands-on feel for the hubs, with Immersive Realisation putting its ‘iDome’ on display. The 180 degree ‘sim’ allows trainees to immerse themselves in a simulated 3D environment where they can interact as they would on a site location. Its use is specifically important for high risk training in underground coal mining.
- Immersive Realisation’s 180 degree iDome in action. The simulation dome uses 4D modelling to replicate mine site activities.
CAE is the recognised global leader in modeling, simulation and training for civil aviation and defence, and is now leveraging its simulation capabilities in mining to deliver products and services including software, training, consulting, simulation and sensor products and integrated control centres.
Brisbane-based Real Serious Games showcased its purpose-built 3D modelling capabilities where work processes can be accurately visualised for safety training. The technology allows learners in a classroom to enter site specific situations virtually, where they can then immerse themselves in a real world simulated environment and guide their way safely through the task.
The tool provides improved education in the construction and mining industries, especially in the areas of safety, planning and detailed work methodologies.
International automation leaders SAGE showcased the ‘TTIM’ bench top instrumentation and automation training system. The Targeted Technology Introduction Module provides for a diverse range of automation and system integration training and skills development outcomes.
MEDIA CONTACT DETAILS
For more information, please contact:
Kellie Chalmers, Media Relations & Communications Specialist, Mining Industry Skills Centre
E: kchalmers@miskillscentre.com.au
T: (07) 3872 8526
M: 0447 194 764
